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Ghana has officially launched its Free Roaming Initiative with neighboring West African countries, Togo and Benin. This development follows an agreement signed in April 2024 between Benin’s Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) and Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) to implement free roaming across the three nations.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed between the regulatory bodies, set July 1, 2024, as the implementation date for the initiative. The Free Roaming Initiative enables citizens of Ghana, Togo, and Benin to use mobile services in any of the participating countries without incurring international roaming charges, enhancing cross-border connectivity and regional integration.
The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation in Ghana noted that this initiative is a crucial step in strengthening Ghana’s relationships with its neighboring countries. It eliminates the communication barriers traditionally posed by borders, allowing for seamless social interaction and business activities. “Our citizens can now stay connected without the hassle of high roaming fees or the need for multiple SIM cards,” the ministry added.
The agreement offers significant benefits to travelers, including the waiver of additional roaming fees for the first 30 days of their stay in any of the participating countries. This will provide substantial cost savings for both business and personal travelers, promoting easier communication and economic engagement across borders.
Key stakeholders in the project, including the Implementation Committees from Ghana, Benin, and Togo, as well as officials from Ghana’s NCA and ARCEP Benin, were recognized for their roles in ensuring the success of the initiative. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) from the three countries were also acknowledged for their cooperation and commitment to making the project a reality. They have pledged to continue supporting the initiative and facilitating its smooth operation.
In addition to this launch, talks between Ghana and Liberia commenced in June 2024, exploring the possibility of extending free roaming between the two countries. This move is part of a broader plan to eventually implement a system that allows mobile users in both nations to pay local rates while traveling, further integrating regional mobile services and reducing costs for consumers.
The Free Roaming Initiative marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and digital integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), benefiting millions of mobile users across the region.
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